Roses in two seasons, a municipal facility with tourist information and souvenirs, and the history of a company and its buildings offer different ways to explore Ayabe. For arrival, Ayabe Gunze Square is a useful landmark: routes there vary depending on your starting point.

Getting to Ayabe Gunze Square

From Ayabe IC, Ayabe Gunze Square is about five minutes away by car; from Ayabe-Ankokuji IC, it takes about ten minutes. It is approximately a ten-minute walk from the north exit of Ayabe Station. From the south exit, the Aya Bus goes to the “Ayabe Gunze Square” stop, which is right at the destination. Travel times and bus services may change, so check the information before your trip.

Roses in spring and autumn

Ayabe Gunze Square is home to the Ayabe Rose Garden. There, 170 varieties of roses bloom in spring and autumn, and the garden also hosts a spring rose festival. Spring and autumn are therefore the seasons to visit for the roses, while the festival is specifically associated with spring. If you plan your trip around the festival, check its exact dates in advance.

A municipal center with a range of offerings

Ayabe Gunze Square is Ayabe City’s urban exchange center. It comprises the Ayabe Specialty Store, the Gunze Museum and the Ayabe Rose Garden. Visitors can find a place to rest and tourist information there. Souvenirs include local specialties and agricultural products; the availability of individual items may vary. The square thus combines information and a place to take a break with garden and museum attractions in one location.

Ayaterasu north of the station

Ayaterasu, north of JR Ayabe Station, was completed in November 2023. The facility brings together a library, Ayakko Hiroba and a hall. In contrast to the gardens and museum at Ayabe Gunze Square, this facility centers on three different functions. The two destinations therefore offer different themes: gardens and a museum at one, and a library, Ayakko Hiroba and a hall at the other.

Company history and Ōmoto

The Gunze Museum presents the history of Gunze, a company founded in Ayabe, across three museums: “創業蔵,” “現代蔵” and “未来蔵.” Another historical connection is Ōmoto: the religious organization began its missionary work in Ayabe in 1892. These subjects lead in different directions: the history of a company founded in Ayabe, and the historical beginnings of missionary work.

Architecture and cultural heritage at Ōmoto Baishōen

Ōmoto Baishōen in Ayabe includes a garden and several named buildings. Chōseiden is considered one of the largest wooden buildings of the 20th century. Mirokuden is registered as a national tangible cultural property, while Konohana-an, a former residence, is designated a national important cultural property. The buildings therefore have different designations: Mirokuden’s registration as a tangible cultural property is emphasized, while Konohana-an is designated an important cultural property. Reservations are required to view the interiors of the buildings.

Seasonal blooms and the spring rose festival can help you plan when to visit; at Ōmoto Baishōen, you should instead note that reservations are required to see the interiors. Which of these considerations matters most for your trip depends on whether you are coming to Ayabe mainly for the roses or for its architecture and cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Nagaoka-Kyō, Maizuru, Fukuchiyama, Yawata, Kyoto, Kasagi, Soraku District, Kyōtango.

For the overview of the wider region: Kyoto Prefecture.